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Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Design and validate power electronics for X-BAT aircraft including DC-DC converters, inverters, motor controllers, and battery systems. Perform schematic capture, simulation, prototyping, board bring-up, testing, EMI/EMC mitigation, and support flight-test and qualification. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and follow disciplined engineering and documentation practices under senior mentorship.
Summary Generated by Built In
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
Shield AI is redefining autonomous aviation with cutting-edge AI and GPS/RF-denied navigation technologies. Now, we’re building our next-generation aircraft, XBAT, like no other—one that will push the boundaries of innovation and performance.
We are looking for an entry-level Power Electronics Engineer who is excited to help bring X-BAT’s next-generation power systems to first flight. In this role, you will own a meaningful project directly tied to our power architecture critical path, while receiving direct mentorship from senior power and electrical engineers. We value first-principles thinking, hands-on engineering, and extreme ownership.
What you'll do:
- Own a power electronics design that directly impacts X-BAT system performance and major flight test milestones, supported by a senior engineer who provides technical guidance and review.
- Contribute to the full hardware lifecycle including concept development, modeling, worst-case analysis, schematic capture, simulation, prototyping, bring-up, verification, integration, and flight test support.
- Design and analyze low-voltage and high-voltage power systems including DC-DC converters, inverters, motor controllers, battery systems, power distribution, and protection circuits.
- Design systems across power ranges from <1 kW low-power loads to >10 kW high-power applications while balancing efficiency, thermal constraints, EMI/EMC performance, and reliability.
- Partner with ECAD engineers on PCB layout for power density, thermal performance, EMI mitigation, and manufacturability.
- Execute hands-on board bring-up, debug, root-cause analysis, and validation using oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads, and other test equipment.
- Support environmental, stress, and qualification testing (HALT, vibration, temperature cycling) for aerospace-grade reliability.
- Collaborate closely with Mechanical, Embedded, Software, Production, and Aircraft teams to ensure robust system integration and clear interface ownership.
- Drive disciplined engineering practices including documentation, risk reduction, and closing the loop between analysis and test results.
Required qualifications:
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
- Strong technical fundamentals in circuits, electronics, and power systems.
- Hands-on experience (coursework, labs, clubs, or internships) with power electronics such as converters, motor drivers, batteries, or high-power systems.
- Familiarity with electrical design tools (Altium, KiCad, etc.).
- Experience using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, e-loads, and multimeters.
- Participation in an engineering team/club or hands-on project experience.
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Skills Required
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
- Strong technical fundamentals in circuits, electronics, and power systems.
- Hands-on experience (coursework, labs, clubs, or internships) with power electronics such as converters, motor drivers, batteries, or high-power systems.
- Familiarity with electrical design tools (Altium, KiCad, etc.).
- Experience using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads, and multimeters.
- Participation in an engineering team/club or hands-on project experience.
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance.
What the Team is Saying
Dylan
Lead Engineer, Planning and Controls-Motion
Mo
Lead Engineer, Platform Automation
Willy
Technical Director
Michael
Engineering Manager - State Estimation
Vibhav
Senior Staff Engineer
Kirby
Mechanical Engineer
Ryan
CEO
Evan
Senior Machine Learning Engineer
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside a mental‑health EAP. Site perks such as an onsite gym in DC and a gym discount in San Diego support a health‑focused offering.
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Retirement Support — Careers materials highlight a 401(k) with company match as part of the standard package. A Total Rewards overview emphasizes retirement features within a broader, transparent compensation view.
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Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Compensation for in‑demand technical and senior go‑to‑market roles is described as competitive, with visible engineering ranges and top‑end packages. This points to meaningful upside tied to role, level, and scarce skills.
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The Company
What We Do
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.
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Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Typical time on-site:
3 days a week
